rktaylor

I wanted to resurface this question. I looked at the Giardini paint and am considering an order. However, I wonder if anyone considers Fiebing's Edge Kote as a similar product? Thanks, Randy

I really like the basket weave in the scroll heart. Nice touch. Thanks for sharing the progress. Randy

I hand stitched my first five saddles before I bought a sewing machine. There's no real trick to it. It just takes a lot of time. I learned to wrap my pinky fingers in athletic tape because you are pulling a lot of stitches. Make sure your stitching pony has deep enough jaws to handle the skirts. Good luck. Randy

I'll start with saying, I have only made one set. My comments are based on what I learned in that process. I think cotton balls wild work. High density foam rubber is another choice. I have boxes of scrap woolskin so it was an easy choice. You want them to be fairly stiff with a little give. Good luck. Randy

I seldom get a light that green. Randy

Thanks, Randy

Ron, I already have two of those. I need to work on the selling part. Double L is the rebirth of Quality Mfg. It was a really nice tree and they were easy to work with. I made one tap with less than ideal leather just to practice. The lower string runs underneath the stirrup and above the stirrup tread. These are on 4" stirrups, so there isn't much room. Thanks for commenting. Randy

Sorry. I missed this question. The snarky answer is too many and too long. It took 3 sides for the saddle, tapaderos, and a scabbard. I probably have about 80 hours in the entire project but I'm not very efficient and some of that time was learning to make tapaderos. Randy Thanks. I appreciate the compliment. Randy

That looks great. I have used that same craftaid but it didn't look that good. Your detail on the head is impressive. Randy

Ron, Nice looking saddle. What stamp did you use? I couldn't find a vintage Hamley rose when I wanted one, so bought the JW flower stamp. Randy

Thanks Ron.

Thickness depends on material. I use kangaroo from Y-Knot. It's pretty thin. If I'm using latigo, I cut the lace from the back portion of the side. I'll split it down to about 3 oz. It has to be high quality to be that thin and maintain strength. Randy

I use kangaroo or latigo. I prefer kangaroo. I have used the lacing pattern from Harry Adam's book. I have not used a double diamond, but I'm sure you could. Randy

The saddle before this was for me. Maybe I'll buy a gun and make a holster for it. Or make a purse for my wife. Randy

Thanks for the compliments. I don't need another saddle, but I would sure like to keep this one. Randy

I just finished this saddle. Double L tree, Will James. Chestnut HO leather. The tapaderos (my first set) are from Bob Klenda's pattern in Leather Crafter's Journal. Randy

@bruce johnson, what grit do you have in the file? It looks like it's 1/4" diameter. Thanks, Randy

Thanks Bruce. I appreciate the advice. Randy

Does anyone have instructions for sharpening rosette cutters? I have two punches from Weaver that are woefully dull. Thanks, Randy

I have this stamp and been there, done that. I echo Bruce's comments on antiquing. I'll share a photo if I can find one. Randy

Thanks. I'll try that. Randy

That's true, but I don't have easy access to a laser engraver. I'll do my best carving it and see if it works out. Randy

Thanks. It's supposed to go on the back of a saddle and carving is the only option I have. Randy

I've been tasked with carving this logo. This is my first attempt. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks, Randy

While I'm far from a swivel knife expert, I would use my 1/4" angled blade on something like that. Randy